Two west Wiltshire schemes have won cash in the second distribution from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s £1 million Innovation Fund.

Eleven projects across Wiltshire and Swindon will receive grants totalling nearly £327,000, including Friends of Biss Meadows County Park in Trowbridge and Warminster Street Pastors.

Warminster Street Pastors, Christian volunteers who lend a helping hand in the town every Friday night and one Saturday night a month, received £600.

Co-ordinator Ali Hunter, who helped set up the initiative two years ago, said: “We have 25 street pastors, aged from their 30s to their 70s, and this money means we can train and provide uniforms for two more.

“We are there to help, care and listen. We are trying to make the streets a safe place to be. You have to be willing to listen, be friendly and non-judgemental.”

Friends of Biss Meadows County Park received £1,547 for the production of a mural, designed and produced by Year 12 art and design students at Clarendon Academy in Trowbridge.

The 14 panels will be attached to the pillars under the bridge in the park and it is hoped the mural will be completed by March.

Committee member Alan Cooper said: “We have had a problem with graffiti. We have painted over it but we have been talking to the police to find an alternative solution and they approached Clarendon Academy.

“It is a real partnership with the school, police and ourselves. We are excited that this project now has the means to go ahead.”

The applications were considered by Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson, and an advisory panel made up of Wiltshire Police Chief Constable Pat Geenty, Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott, Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard and Rosemary Macdonald from The Community Foundation for Wiltshire and Swindon.

Another £330,000 will be given out in March 2014 to more community schemes.

The deadline for applications for the cash is March 3, 2014.

For more information about the Innovation Fund, including a downloadable leaflet and an application form, visit www.wiltshirepcc.

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